Throughout my childhood, my dad had coworkers from the United States who sometimes came to see us, and they would bring along flavors of American cuisine. Of the various tasty meals they shared with us, Hamburger Helper particularly made a memorable impact. Its ease of preparation combined with its rich, savory taste made a significant mark on my early culinary experiences.
Fast forward to today, as I embrace a low-carb lifestyle, I’ve embarked on a culinary journey to recreate those cherished flavors in a healthier, carb-conscious way. After experimenting with various recipes, I’ve discovered a low carb Hamburger Helper recipe that has become a staple in my kitchen. In this article, I’ll share with you the best low carb Hamburger Helper recipe I’ve come to love.
How to Prepare Low Carb Hamburger Helper
Ingredients Required
To prepare Low Carb Hamburger Helper, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 10 oz. package of frozen cauliflower rice
Cooking Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until softened.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Drain the excess fat from the skillet and return it to the stove.
- Add the beef broth, heavy cream, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the frozen cauliflower rice to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cauliflower rice is heated through.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted and combined.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Low Carb Hamburger Helper!
Tip: If Cauliflower rice doesnt suits your taste, you can also use other low carb pasta alterantives like zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta.
Customizing Your Low Carb Hamburger Helper
With the recipe above we got an excellent basic that’s simple and delicious. To make it perfect you can customize it to your own liking for a personal touch. Here are a few ideas that I’ve tried and loved:
Adding Vegetables
One way to customize your Low Carb Hamburger Helper is to add vegetables. Not only does this add more nutrients to the dish, but it also adds more flavor and texture. Some vegetables that I found work well in Low Carb Hamburger Helper are:
- Bell peppers
- Onions
- Mushrooms
- Zucchini
- Broccoli
To add these vegetables, chop them up and sauté them in a pan with your ground beef. Once they’re cooked, add them to your Low Carb Hamburger Helper and mix well.
Spicing it Up
Another way to customize your Low Carb Hamburger Helper is to spice it up. This can be done by adding different herbs and spices to the dish. I use it every time with Garlic Powder and Paprika in addition. But you can also use other herbs like:
- Onion powder
- Oregano
- Thyme
Just go after your own liking (or that of your kids ;-)).
Serving Suggestions for Low Carb Hamburger Helper
Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions to make your low-carb Hamburger Helper meal even more enjoyable.
Side Dishes
Pairing your Low Carb Hamburger Helper with the right side dish can really take your meal to the next level. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts is a great way to add extra nutrition to your meal. Plus, the crispy texture pairs well with the creamy Hamburger Helper sauce.
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can help balance out the richness of the Hamburger Helper. Plus, it’s a great way to get in some extra veggies.
- Low Carb Croutons: Okay, we can argue about, if Croutons are really considered a side dish. But we can’t argue about the extra crunchiness they add to nearly every meal. Try one of the low carb croutons recipes I created for you.
Low Carb Hamburger Helper: A Comfort Food for All Ages
Growing up, my family had a tradition of having Hamburger Helper for dinner every Friday night. It was a meal that we all looked forward to and enjoyed together. As I got older and started to pay more attention to my health, I realized that the original recipe was high in carbs and not the best choice for my diet.
Low Carb Hamburger Helper is a healthier version of the classic meal that I grew up with. It’s made with lean ground beef, low-carb pasta, and a delicious sauce that’s packed with flavor. Not only is it a great option for those who are watching their carb intake, but it’s also a quick and easy meal that the whole family can enjoy.
One of the things that I love about Low Carb Hamburger Helper is that it’s so versatile. Add your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers or mushrooms, to make it even more nutritious. You can also switch up the protein and use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Another great thing, especially helpful for stressed parents, is that it’s easy to make in large batches, which makes it perfect for meal prep. You can make a big pot of it on Sunday and have it for lunch or dinner throughout the week. It’s a great way to save time and money while still eating healthy.
FAQ
How do I make low carb hamburger helper?
Use ground beef, low carb pasta, and a homemade sauce made with beef broth, heavy cream, and spices.
Can I make low carb hamburger helper without pasta?
Yes, substitute cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or low carb pasta for traditional pasta.
Is low carb hamburger helper keto-friendly?
Yes, it can be made keto-friendly by using low carb ingredients and adjusting the macros to fit within a keto diet.
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